Regulus: Heart of the Lion | Brightest Stars | EarthSky History and mythology of Regulus. This chart is set for March 17, 2016. If you look on the nights after that, you’ll see the waxing moon moving closer to Regulus … and very bright Jupiter! How to see the star Regulus Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo the Lion . It is a bluish star, well placed in the evening sky from about January to June. Regulus can be found marking the bottom of a large backwards question mark star pattern within Leo, known as The Sickle. The Sickle – with Regulus at its heart – outlines the constellation Leo the Lion’s head and forequarters. In our western skylore, Regulus is said to be the Lion’s Heart. Located along the ecliptic – or pathway of the sun, moon and planets – Regulus can be seen from around the globe. Bright planets sometimes pass near it, and every month the moon passes no more than about 5o away. Sometimes the moon occults (passes in front of) this star as seen from our earthly vantage point.

Of all stars visible from Earth, Regulus is either the 21st or 22nd brightest, depending on how you want to consider it. Strictly speaking, there are 21 stars brighter than Regulus, making it the 22nd brightest. However, the 21st brightest star, Alpha Centauri B, is just barely brighter than Regulus and appears so close to Alpha Centauri A ( Rigel Kentaurus ) that it cannot be distinguished separately. Since the human eye cannot actually see Alpha Centauri B as a separate star, perhaps the title of 21st brightest really does belong to Regulus. Regulus throughout the year. Regulus rises about an hour after sunset in early February. It is opposite the sun on or near February 18, and Regulus rises on that date at about sunset and is up all night long, reaching its highest point due south at local midnight. By early April, Regulus is well up in the southeast an hour after sunset. By early June, it’s high in the southwest an hour after sunset. And by early July, Regulus is low to the west an hour after sunset.

Although best seen in the evening in northern hemisphere in late winter and into summer, Regulus can be found at some time of night throughout the year except for about a month on either side of August 22, when the sun is located in Regulus’ direction in space. Regulus is a much larger star than our sun. Image via the Night Sky Guy . Regulus science. Regulus is about 77 light-years away. If – by some impossible magic – Regulus were to replace our sun, Earth would be doomed. First, Earth’s atmosphere would be stripped away, and shortly thereafter the oceans would begin to boil. With our protective natural shields gone, the surface of the Earth would bake under a star four times as wide and 140 times as bright as our world is accustomed to, not to mention the vastly increased bombardment of ultraviolet rays, X-rays and gamma rays. Taking all of the star’s radiation into account, Regulus pumps out nearly 350 times as much energy as our sun. Regulus rotates, or spins, rapidly. Our sun takes about a month to spin around once on its axis, but Regulus completes a single rotation in only 15.9 hours.

This rapid rotation rate causes Regulus’s equatorial regions to bulge, making the star not round like our sun but oblate, like a squashed orange. As a result, the north and south poles of Regulus have a higher surface gravity, and thus higher temperature and brightness, than the equatorial regions of Regulus. The polar regions of Regulus are several thousand degrees hotter than this star’s equator, and the poles of this star shine more brightly than the equator. If Regulus rotated slightly more rapidly (16% faster), the star would fly apart. Regulus is not the only star known to spin so fast that it has an oblate shape. The stars Altair and Achernar are also fast spinners with flattened shapes. What’s more, Regulus is a double star with a telescopically visible companion orbiting at about 100 times as far from Regulus as Pluto is from the sun. In fact, the companion itself is double, each component slightly smaller than our star and separated by about 95 astronomical units, or more than twice as far as Pluto from the sun.

In addition, a very small star – likely a white dwarf – circles Regulus at about the same distance as Mercury from the sun. So this is not one solitary star as the eye believes, but at least four. Overall, Regulus is a very hot star of spectral type B7V, meaning that it is much hotter than our sun, with a surface temperature that averages about 12,000K (roughly 21,000 degrees F). Very hot stars like this use up their nuclear fuel at a phenomenal rate, far faster than smaller stars like our sun. Thus the sun has an expected lifetime of about 10 billion years; it is about halfway through its life now. Meanwhile, hotter Regulus is likely only a few hundred million years old, but it is rapidly approaching its own death throes. The constellation Leo, with the star Regulus at its heart, as depicted on a set of constellation cards published in London c.1825. Image via Wikimedia Commons. History and mythology of Regulus. The name Regulus is from the diminutive form of the Latin rex, and means Little King.

Astronomers know Regulus as Alpha Leonis, but in times past it has been known simply as Rex, as well as by kingly names in other languages. It’s not clear how Regulus went from being a king – thought to rule celestial affairs – to being a ‘little’ king. Perhaps the thought was that Leo itself represented the King of Beasts, and there was room for one full king only. Regulus has also been called Cor Leonis, which means Heart of the Lion, the same name given to Richard the Lionhearted (although more frequently in French). The constellation Leo the Lion, of which Regulus is the most prominent member, is quite easy to visualize. As mentioned previously, Regulus dots the backwards question mark of stars that outlines the Lion’s head and mane. An easily identifiable triangle depicts the Lion’s hindquarters and tail. There is a great deal of mythology associated with Leo, perhaps the most common tale being that Leo was the Nemean Lion of the Hercules story. It is said that even in South America, some Peruvian Indians knew these stars as the Mountain Lion, whereas in China it was sometimes seen as a horse, and at other times as part of a dragon.

Christians in the Middle Ages sometimes referred to it as one of Daniel’s Lions. Regulus’ position is RA: 10h 08m 23s, dec: +11° 58′ 02″. Leo Constellation - Facts About Leo | Solarsystemquick.com Leo Constellation Highlighted in yellow is the asterism which forms the head of Leo, known as 'The Sickle'. Leo Constellation Facts Leo contains several bright stars making it one the most easily recognizable constellations in the night sky. The constellation is visible in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In the Northern hemisphere the constellation can be seen from January to June. The stars that make up the bowl of the 'Big Dipper' asterism point towards the constellation in the Northern hemisphere. In the Southern hemisphere Leo can be viewed in the summer and autumn months. In the Southern hemisphere Leo will appear upside down. The brightest star in the constellation is Regulus, which has surface temperatures more than twice that of the sun. The Latin word for lion is leo. Leo is one of the oldest recorded constellations, it was perceived as a lion by ancient civilizations as far back as 6,000 years ago.

Leo is also one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Leo Mythology The constellation of Leo was recognized as a lion by several ancient civilizations. Like several constellations Leo is based on the adventures of Hercules, a Greek mythological hero and son of Zeus. After being driven insane by his step mother the divine hero killed his six sons in a blind rage. When he recovered from his temporary madness Hercules seeked to atone for his actions by serving a penance for his crimes. Eventually Hercules ended up in the control of King Eurystheus who set him a series of labors. The first of these labors was to kill a lion that had been terrorizing the city of Nemea. Unknown to Hercules the lion had a coat of golden fur which arrows and swords were unable to penetrate. On his first visit to the lion’s lair Hercules discovered that his arrows simply bounced of the beast. On his second visit the hero blocked off one of the two entrances to the lair and entered armed with a large club, he beat the lion with his club before strangling it to death.

Main Stars in the Leo Constellation The number next to each star is its apparent magnitude, its brightness from our point of view on Earth, the lower the number the brighter the star in the night sky. Denebola Also known as Beta Leonis, Denebola is a bright white main sequence star located around 36 light years from Earth, the star is only 75% larger in mass and radius than our sun. Zosma Also known as Delta Leonis, like Denebola Zosma is a white main sequence star located around 58 light years from Earth, the star has a mass and radius around twice that of the sun. Chort Also known as Theta Leonis, along with Denebola and Zosma Chort forms the rump of Leo in the form of a bright triangle, like the two others Chort is a white main sequence star, at a distance of 165 light years from Earth it is the furthest of the trio and as a result less bright. Regulus Also known as Alpha Leonis, Regulus is not only the brightest star in the constellation but one of the brightest stars in the night sky.

Regulus is a four star system located around 80 light years from Earth, the system consists of the bright Regulus A and three dimmer stars. Regulus A is a large blue main sequence star with around 4 times the mass and radius of the sun. Algieba Also known as Gamma Leonis, Algieba is a two star system around 130 light years from Earth, the system consists of two giant binary stars orbiting each other at a distance of around 16 billion miles (26 billion km). Adhafera Also known as Zeta Leonis, Adhafera is a white-yellow giant star around 270 light years from Earth, it's around six times larger in diameter than the sun with around three times its mass. Finding Leo - Northern Hemisphere The chart shows the position of Leo over most of the United States in mid-spring at 10 pm. This chart can also be applied to other areas of the Northern hemisphere such as Canada, the UK and Europe. In the Northern hemisphere Leo is primarily visible in the southern night sky. In January Leo will appear low on the eastern horizon around 11 pm, moving westwards throughout the night until day breaks around 7pm.

From February to April the constellation will appear in the eastern sky around 8 pm, gradually moving higher before dipping towards the western horizon before day breaks. In May and June Leo will appear high in the western night sky around 10 pm, before dipping towards the western horizon over the next few hours. Finding Leo - Southern Hemisphere The chart shows the position of Leo over most of Australia in early autumn at 8 pm. This chart can also be applied to other areas of the Southern hemisphere such as New Zealand, South Africa and South America. In the Southern hemisphere Leo is visible in the northern night sky. In February and March Leo will appear low in the north-eastern sky from around 9 pm, moving westwards throughout the night before dipping below the north-western horizon around day break. Throughout autumn months of April to June the constellation will appear in the north-eastern or northern sky around 6pm, gradually moving towards the north-western horizon over the next few hours.

Share this page March Stargazing: 'Little King' Star Regulus Reigns in Space Lion's Heart March Stargazing: 'Little King' Star Regulus Reigns in Space Lion's Heart By Joe Rao, Space.com Skywatching Columnist | March 16, 2014 11:56am ET MORE This image from a NASA March night sky video shows the constellation Leo, the Lion, and position of the bright star Regulus. Credit: NASA/JPL The term, "March comes in like a lion," not only pertains to weather, but to astronomy as well. As darkness falls these brisk March evenings, we can see a noble star pattern emerging into view in the eastern night sky: The great celestial lion Leo, king of the beasts, accompanied by its brightest star, Regulus, marking the lion's heart. Regulus stands at the lower end of the handle of a very distinctly marked and striking sickle-shaped figure, which resembles a large reversed question-mark which outlines the majestic head, breast and mane of the imaginary lion. Many people hail the appearance of the Sickle of the Leo as one of the first signs of spring.

Astrophotographer John Chumack sent in a photo of Mars (red), Regulus (blue star) and the waning crescent moon in a triangle over his backyard observatory in Dayton, OH. Photo taken Oct. 1, 2013. Credit: John Chumack/ The easiest way to positively identify the Sickle is to locate the bowl of the Big Dipper. The two outer stars of the bowl are the famous "pointer" stars that directs us toward Polaris, the North Star . The two inner stars of the bowl when directed in the opposite direction — toward the south — ultimately will take you to the Sickle. At New York’s Hayden Planetarium, I often tell my audience to imagine that the bowl of the Dipper is filled to the brim with water. "Now," (using my laser pointer on the planetarium dome), "let's imagine we've just poked a hole in the bottom of the bowl. Where does that water go?" [ Constellation Quiz: Can You Read the Stars? ] Following that imaginary flow of water ultimately will bring us to the constellation Leo . Eastward from the Sickle there is a right triangle of stars which also belongs to Leo.

Two of these stars mark the hindquarters, while at the eastern point of this triangle you will find another bright star whose name is Denebola, the "tail" of the Lion. Nemean Lion and House of the Sun Leo is among the most ancient of the constellations and is often thought to be representative of the rampaging Nemean Lion , which was the largest and fiercest lion in the world. It had such a thick and tough skin that no arrow could penetrate it. The first of the 12 labors of Hercules was to somehow kill this seemingly invincible beast. Hercules chose to grasp the lion by the throat and after a terrific struggle ultimately strangled the lion to death. He then wore the lion's skin as a cloak for his own defense in his other exploits. The Lion was placed in the sky by the Egyptians to represent the fierce heat of the sun in midsummer. To them, Leo was the House of the Sun. Some 5,000 years ago, when the course followed by the sun among the stars was first charted with remarkable accuracy by ancient stargazers, it was found that in Leo were the stars among which the sun was to be found at the summer solstice .

They thus coincided with the heat of summer, when the sun was at its strongest. So both Leo and the Dog Star (Sirius) were believed to contribute to the heat and storms of summer. Regal Regulus Regulus is about 79 light-years from Earth, has an actual luminosity of about 160 times that of the sun and has an estimated diameter of about five times that of our home star. Because the ecliptic — which marks the path of the sun against the star background in the night sky — passes just a half degree south of Regulus, the sun almost runs directly over Regulus each year on Aug. 23 on the way south to its crossing of the equator at the beginning of autumn. The moon also passes close beside Regulus every month, sometimes even hiding (occulting) it from view. Thus, Regulus serves as a landmark of sorts in the sky. [ March Night Sky: See Stars, Planets and More (Video) ] In addition, Regulus is not only one of the 21 brightest stars in the sky , but it possesses much practical importance as one of the principal stars having been used by sailors ever since the beginning of navigation to determine their place at sea.

COSMOS FirstScope Telescope, Celestron Newtonian reflector optical system features a spherical mirror with a generous 76 mm of aperture. Buy Here Credit: Space.com Store From the remotest times it has been known as the "royal star" par excellence; one of the four royal stars regarded by the ancient Persian monarchy which were supposed long ago to rule over the four quarters of the heavens. In Babylon they knew it as Sharru, the King, in India as Maghā, the Mighty, in Persia as Miyan, the Center and in Latin Rex, from which Copernicus constructed the name we use today: Regulus, The Little King. The three other seasonal "royal stars" are Antares (summer), Fomalhaut (autumn) and Aldebaran (winter). But the royal star of spring, Regulus, has always been in a certain way, their chief. For about 5,000 years it has been believed, traditionally, to control the affairs of heaven, and the astrologers have seized upon this idea by making it the natal star of kings, and those destined to kingly achievements and rule.

Thursday, March 20, 2:07 a.m. Asteroid 163 Erigone will pass in front of the first magnitude star Regulus, causing it to blink out of sight for a few seconds. This will be visible only on a narrow path starting over Long Island, New York, through Kingston, Ontario, Algonquin Provincial Park, and the western part of Hudson’s Bay. A map of the predicted path is shown here . Erigone itself will be 11th magnitude, not visible to the naked eye. What constellation is Regulus found in? | Reference.com What constellation is Regulus found in? A: Quick Answer Regulus is found in the constellation Leo, where it also called Alpha Leonis. It is the brightest star in the constellation. It is actually a four-star multiple star system with the pair Regulus B and Regulus C and another pair of Regulus A and an unnamed white dwarf. Full Answer Regulus is located about 79 light years from Earth and appears as the 21st brightest star in the night sky.

In Arabic, the star's name translates to "heart of the lion." Other important stars in the constellation Leo include Denebola, Algieba, Zosma, Adhafera, Tau Leonis, Mu Leonis, Rasalas, Iota Leonis and Theta Leonis, also known as Chertan or Coxa. Leo Constellation: Facts About the Lion Leo Constellation: Facts About the Lion By Kim Ann Zimmermann | August 1, 2012 10:58am ET MORE Leo the Lion is one of the earliest recognized constellations. The Mesopotamians are known to have documented the “lion” constellation. The Persians called it Ser or Shir; the Turks, Artan; the Syrians, Aryo; the Jewish, Arye; the Indians, Simha. These are all translated as “lion.” Hunting the lion Leo is a highly recognizable constellation, as it is one of the few constellations that resemble its namesake. It is fairly easy to find because the “pointer stars” of the Big Dipper point to Leo. March does come in with a lion.

The constellation becomes visible in the Northern Hemisphere around the spring equinox and is easily identifiable through May. Leo lies between Cancer to the west and Virgo to the east. Right ascension: 11 hours Visible between latitudes 90 and minus 65 degrees Best seen in April at 9 p.m. This sky chart shows where the constellation Leo, the Lion and its trademark sickle appear in the eastern sky as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere during spring. This chart is where the constellation appears at 8 p.m. EDT as viewed from the U.S. East Coast. Credit: Starry Night Software The constellation can be found by looking for the "sickle" starting at the Regulus (Alpha Leonis) star. Regulus, Al Jabbah, and Algieba, together with the fainter stars ζ Leo (Adhafera), μ Leo (Ras Elased Borealis), and ε Leo (Ras Elased Australis), constitute the sickle.

Another star in the planet is Al Geiba, the brightest star in the curve of the sickle, means "the lion’s mane." In January 2001, a large object eight times the size of Jupiter was discovered orbiting Al Geiba. A triangle of stars forms the lion’s haunches, with the brightest star of this trio being Denebola, which means "tail of the lion." There are a number of luminous galaxies within Leo, including the Leo triplet of M66, M65 and NGC 3628. The Leo Ring, a cloud of hydrogen and helium gas, orbits of two dwarf galaxies. Triplet of bright galaxies in the constellation of Leo (The Lion), together with a multitude of fainter objects: distant background galaxies and much closer Milky Way stars. The image hints at the power of the VST and OmegaCAM for surveying the extragalactic Universe and for mapping the low brightness objects of the galactic halo. Credit: ESO/INAF-VST/OmegaCAM.

Acknowledgement: OmegaCen/Astro-WISE/Kapteyn Institute Mythology Leo is the Nemean Lion, which was killed by Hercules on one of the 12 labors he had to perform for killing his family. According to Greek mythology, the lion that terrorized the citizens had a hide that could not punctured by iron, bronze or stone. Having broken all of his weapons fighting the man-eating lion, Hercules finally strangled it to death and placed it in the heavens as one of his conquests. Astrology is not a science , but Leo is one of the 13 constellations of the Zodiac . Leo is the fifth sign of the Zodiac and represents those born July 22 to August 22. It is considered a masculine, extroverted sign. — Kim Ann Zimmermann Constellations ancient and modern grace the skies year round. Let's see what you know about the star patterns that appear overhead every night.

Huge asteroid 163 Erigone to blot out bright star Regulus in Leo constellation: How to watch : SCIENCE : Tech Times Huge asteroid 163 Erigone to blot out bright star Regulus in Leo constellation: How to watch 15 March 2014, 5:53 pm EDT By James Maynard Tech Times Amateur astronomers have a chance to see a once-in-a-lifetime event on Thursday early morning, but the weather may not cooperate. 163 Erigone, a huge asteroid 45 miles wide, will blot out a bright star called Regulus in Leo constellation. Pictured here is a map, showing the best viewing for this once-in-a-lifetime event. ( Jet Propulsion Labs ) Advertisement A giant asteroid will pass in front of a star, blacking it out for a short period of time. Viewers in the northeastern United States will be able to watch it happen live, weather permitting. 163 Erigone, an asteroid the size of Rhode Island, will pass in front of Regulus on Thursday night, just after 2 a.m. EST. This occultation of the star by Erigone could last 14 seconds.

The asteroid measures 45 miles from one side to another. Occultations of stars by asteroids and other bodies are fairly common, but usually affect much dimmer stars. This is just the eighth time in the last 35 years such an event will be visible with the naked eye. Anyone in the New England or New York will be able to see this astronomical occurrence without any special equipment. Simply go outside (remember to dress warm!) and look for Regulus. The star will be found high in the western sky. Look for the constellation, resembling a body and head, with its head angled down, to the right. Regulus will be the bright star at the bottom right of the lion's body. The constellation resembles a question mark to many people. The occultation will take place at 2:06 a.m. For people in the northern reaches of the area where this can be seen, the occultation will happen a few minutes later than it will further south. 163 Erigone is extremely dark, nearly the color of asphalt. The asteroid was discovered in 26 April 1876, by the French astronomer Henri Joseph Perrotin.

The astronomical body was named after one of the two Erigones in Greek mythology. The carbon-rich asteroid rotates once every 16 hours. Observers can contribute data on the observation for use by astronomers. All you need is a stopwatch, SLR camera or video camera. Astronomers are looking for the exact amount of time for which Regulus is blacked out, and your precise location. Putting these data points together can help researchers determine the exact size and shape of the giant asteroid. Amateur astronomers can submit their raw data to the International Occultation Timing Association. Regulus is the brightest star that will be occulted by an asteroid visible from North America for decades. So, this event could be a once-in a-lifetime occurrence. The group collecting the data has even produced a smartphone app, available on their Web site, to time the event. Let's hope the weather cooperates, giving viewers a chance to witness this rare event. TAG Regulus The history of the star: Regulus from p.255 of Star Names , Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889.

[A scanned copy can be viewed on this webpage ] Alpha (α) Leo , Regulus, is a triple star, 1.7, 8.5, and 13, flushed white and ultramarine in the Lion. Regulus was so called by Polish astronomer Copernicus (1473-1543), as a diminutive of the earlier Rex, equivalent to the (Greek) Basiliskos (translated "Little King") of the second-century Greek astronomer Ptolemy. This was from the belief that it ruled the affairs of the heavens,— a belief current, till three centuries ago, from at least 3000 years before our era.

Thus, as Sharru, the King, it marked the 15th ecliptic constellation of Babylonia; in India it was Magha, the Mighty; in Sogdiana (a Persian people), Magh, the Great, {p.256} Miyan, the Centre; among the Turanian races, Masu, the Hero; and in Akkadia it was associated with the 5th antediluvian King-of-the-celestial-sphere, Amil-gal-ur, (Greek) Amegalaros. A Ninevite tablet has: "If the star of the great lion is gloomy the heart of the people will not rejoice." In Arabia it was Malikiyy, Kingly; in Greece, basiliskos aster (Little King star); in Rome, Basilica Stella; with Pliny (23-79 A.D.), Regia; in the revival of European astronomy, Rex; and with the 16th century Danish astronomer Tycho, Basiliscus. So, too, it was the leader of the Four Royal Stars of the ancient Persian monarchy, the Four Guardians of Heaven.

Dupuis, referring to this Persian character, said that the four stars marked the cardinal points, assigning Hastorang, as he termed it, to the North; Venant to the South; Tascheter to the East; and Satevis to the West: but did not identify these titles with the individual stars. Flammarion does so, however, with Fomalhaut , Regulus, and Aldebaran for the first three respectively, so that we may consider Satevis as Antares . This same scheme appeared in India, although the authorities are not agreed as to these assignments and identifications; but, as the right ascensions are about six hours apart, they everywhere probably were used to mark the early equinoctial and solstitial colures, four great circles in the sky, or generally the four quarters of the heavens. At the time that these probably were first thought of, Regulus lay very near to the summer solstice, and so indicated the solstitial colure.

Early English astrologers made it a portent of glory, riches, and power to all born under its influence; Wyllyam Salysbury, of 1552, writing, but perhaps from Proclus: "The Lyon's herte is called of some men, the Royall Starre, for they that are borne under it, are thought to have a royall nativitie." And this title, the Lion's Heart, has been a popular one from early classical times, seen in the Kardia Leontos of Greece and the Cor Leonis of Rome, and adopted by the Arabians as Al Kalb al Asad, this degenerating into Kalbelasit, Kalbeleced, Kalbeleceid, Kalbol asadi, Calb-elez-id, Calb-elesit, Calb-alezet, and Kale Alased of various bygone lists. The Persian astronomer Al Biruni (973-1048 A.D.) called it the Heart of the Royal Lion, which "rises when Suhail rises in Al Hijaz (in Saudi Arabia).

The 17th century German astronomer Bayer and others have quoted, as titles for Regulus, the strange Tyberone and Tuberoni Regia; but these are entirely wrong, and arose from a misconception of Pliny's (23-79 A.D.) Stella Regia appellata Tuberoni in pectore Leonis, {p.257} rendered "the star called by Tubero (Lucius Tubero, friend of Cicero.) the Royal One in the Lion's breast"; Holland's translation reading: "The cleare and bright star, called the Star Royal, appearing in the breast of the signe Leo, Tubero mine author saith." Naturally sharing the character of its constellation as the Domicilium Solis, in Euphratean astronomy it was Gus-ba-ra, the Flame, or the Red Fire, of the House of the East; in Khorasmia, Achir, Possessing Luminous Rays; and throughout classical days the supposed cause of the summer's heat, a reputation that it shared with the Dog-star. Horace (65-8 B.C.) expressed this in his Stella vesani Leonis.

It was of course prominent among the lunar-mansion stars, and chief in the 8th nakshatra ( Hindu Moon Mansion ) that bore its name, Magha, made up by all the components of the Sickle; and it marked the junction with the adjoining station Purva Phalguni; the Pitares, Fathers, being the regents of the asterism, which was figured as a House. In Arabia, with gamma (γ Algieba ), zeta (ζ Adhafera ), and eta (η Al Jabhah ) of the Sickle, it was the 8th manzil (Arabic Moon Mansion), Al Jabhah, the Forehead.

In China, however, the 8th sieu ( Chinese Moon Mansion ) lay in Hydra ; but the astronomers of that country referred to Regulus as the Great Star in Heen Yuen, a constellation called after the imperial family, comprising alpha (α Regulus), gamma (γ Algieba ), epsilon (ε Ras Elased Australis ), eta (η Al Jabhah ), lambda (λ Alterf ), zeta (ζ Adhafera ), chi (χ), nu (ν), omicron (ο Subra ), rho (ρ), and others adjacent and smaller reaching into the constellation Leo Minor . Individually it was Niau, the Bird, and so representative of the whole quadripartite zodiacal group. [ Star Names , Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889]. Regulus enters the sign Virgo in 2012 AD. It entered the sign Leo in 156 BC.

Regulus is one of the four key stars in the heavens, also called archangel stars, assigning: Tasoheter - Michael ( Aldebaran ) watcher of the East; Satevis - Oriel ( Antares ) Watcher of the West; Hastorang - Gabriel ( Fomalhaut ) watcher of the South; Venant - Raphael The Healing Archangel (Regulus) Watcher of the North. [The angel associations come from Eric Morse, The Living Stars , p.35. Allen's explanation of these four stars on p.256 of Star Names] They have been characterized as Horses, reflected both in the famed Four Horsemen of Apocalypse (Revelations 6) and Chariot Horses in the Book of Zechariah. [Dr Eric Morse, The Living Stars ] At one time these four stars marked the two Equinoxes and two Solstices. Aldebaran marked the zero Aries point in 3044 BC, Antares marked zero Libra 3052 BC, Fomalhaut marked zero Capricorn, 2582 BC, Regulus marked zero Cancer 2345 BC.

The Lunar Mansions In Arabia, Alpha (α Regulus) Leo with gamma (γ Algieba ), zeta (ζ Adhafera ), and eta (η Al Jabhah ) of the Sickle (a star pattern resembling a reversed question mark representing Leo's mane), was the 8th manzil ( Arabic Moon Mansion ), Al Jabhah, the Forehead. Influences of the 8th Arabic Moon Mansion Al Jabhah: Strengthens buildings, promotes love, benevolence, and help against enemies.

[Robson * , p.71.] With Moon transiting here: sow, plant, release prisoners but take no purgatives.[Robson * , p.71.] Alpha (α Regulus) Leo was chief star in the 8th nakshatra ( Hindu Moon Mansion ) that bore its name, Magha, made up by all the components of the Sickle (Leo's mane and head); alpha (α Regulus described as on the base of the sickle), Gamma (γ Algieba ), eta (η Al Jabhah ), zeta (ζ Adhafera ), mu (μ Ras Elased Borealis ), epsilon (ε Ras Elased Australis ), lambda (λ Alterf ), and kappa (κ). The symbol of Magha "The Mighty" was a House. The regents were the Pitris (the spirits of the dead ancestors), or Fathers. Ruled by the Dragon's Tail. Influences of the 8th Hindu Moon Mansion Magha: A severe asterism belonging to the Shudra caste (low caste Hindu) and favorable for acts of disgrace, destruction, deceit, imprisonment, beating, burning and poison when containing the Moon.

Those born on the lunar day will be wealthy, fond of hills, merchants, valiant, and women haters. With Moon here at birth native will be wealthy, religious, contented, well served, and fond of life. Rules grain boxes and the lips and upper mouth. [Robson * , p.79.] The astrological influences of the constellation Leo Ptolemy makes the following observations: "Of the stars in Leo , two in the head are like Saturn and partly like Mars. The three in the neck are like Saturn, and in some degree like Mercury. . . . Those in the loins . . . Saturn and Venus: those in the thighs resemble Venus, and, in some degree, Mercury." It is said that the stars in the neck, back and wing all bring trouble, disgrace and sickness affecting the part of the body ruled by the sign, especially if they happen to be in conjunction with the Moon.

By the Kabalists, Leo is associated with the Hebrew letter Kaph and the 11th Tarot Trump "Strength." [Robson * , p.48.] The astrological influences of the constellation Leo given by Manilius: "Who can doubt the nature of the monstrous Lion, and the pursuits he prescribes for those born beneath his sign? The lion ever devises fresh fights and fresh warfare on animals, and lives on spoil and pillaging of flocks. The sons of the Lion are filled with the urge to adorn their proud portals with pelts and to hang up on their walls the captured prey, to bring the peace of terror to the woods, and to live upon plunder. There are those whose like bent is not checked by the city-gates, but they swagger about in the heart of the capital with droves of beasts; they display mangled limbs at the shop-front, slaughter to meet the demands of luxury, and count it gain to kill.

Their temper is equally prone to fitful wrath and ready withdrawal, and guileless are the sentiments of their honest hearts" [ Astronomica , Manilius, 1st century AD, p.237.] The astrological influences of the star Regulus Notes: A triple star, flushed white and ultramarine, situated on the body of the Lion. From Regulus, a Little King, and often called Cor Leonis, the Lion's Heart, and symbolically the Crushing Foot. It was one of the four Royal Stars of the Persians in 3,000 B.C., when, as Watcher of the North, it marked the summer solstice. [Robson * , p.194-195.] According to Ptolemy it is of the nature of Mars and Jupiter, but most later authors liken it to Mars only, while Alvidas states that it is similar to the Sun in good aspect to Uranus.

It gives violence, destructiveness, military honor of short duration, with ultimate failure, imprisonment, violent death, success, high and lofty ideals and strength of spirit, and makes its natives magnanimous, grandly liberal, generous, ambitious, fond of power, desirous of command, high-spirited and independent. [Robson * , p.195.] It may convey royal properties, noble mind, frankness, courage. The importance of this star is accentuated by its nearness to the ecliptic. Its effect is in the best sense that of Jupiter and Mars. On the Ascendant, it will give a courageous and frank character, especially if in conjunction with the Sun, Moon, Jupiter or Mercury. Positioned on the MC, Regulus will raise the native to high positions in life, positions far exceeding the environment the native was born into. On the MC it is not only a good omen for a military career, but also for careers connected with the public, such as lawyers, civil servants, bankers and the clergy, especially if Regulus is also in conjunction with the Sun or Moon or with a benefic stellar body.

According to tradition, Regulus conjunct MC will bring with it connections with rulers, honorable people or famous people. If the cosmogram as a whole points to this possibility, Jupiter conjunct Regulus is one of the best configurations for success. People like this can reach high positions, positions of trust, preferment and favors; fortunes. Riches and power could fall to these natives easily. Elsbeth Ebertin had this star near the MC (the author of this book, 'Fixed Stars and Their Interpretations' and mother of Reinhold Ebertin author of 'C.O.S.I.'). An old saying goes that Regulus in the 10th house 'makes astrologers to kings. people in high positions and noble men'. Naturally not everyone who has this configuration will make a 'Royal Astrologer' even if he has the necessary knowledge and capabilities. But with Frau Ebertin, this rule was borne out. During the first world war, her book 'Royal Nativities' was published. There followed commissions from royal houses and ruling industrialists (listed in the book Fixed Stars and their Interpretations by Ebertin-Hoffman).

Elsbeth Ebertin studied historical events with the planetary configurations in each case and came to the following conclusion; "when Mars or Saturn are in conjunction with Regulus, especially exciting events are always recorded e.g. assassinations, coup d'états, revolutions, revolts, demonstrations, overthrow of heads of state and similar events". [ Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation , Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p51-52.] If Rising: Great honor and wealth, but violence and trouble, sickness, fevers, acute disease, benefits seldom last, favor of the great, victory over enemies and scandal. The 145th Consideration of Guido Bonnets is as follows: -" That thou see in Diurnal Nativities whether Cor Leonis be in the Ascendant, that is to say, in the Oriental Line or above it one degree or below it three degrees; or whether it be in the tenth in like degrees, without the Conjunction or Aspect of any of the Fortunes, for this alone signifies that the Native shall be a person of great note and power, too much exalted, and attain to high preferment and honors, although descended from the meanest parents.

And, if any of the Fortunes behold that place also, his glory shall be the more increased; but, if the Nativity be nocturnal, his fortune will be somewhat meaner, but not much; but if the Infortunes cast their aspects there it will still be more mean; but if the Fortunes behold it also they will augment the good promised a fourth part, and mitigate the evil as much; yet still, whatever of all this happens, it signifies that the Native shall die an unhappy death; or at least that all his honors, greatness and power shall at last suffer an eclipse and set in a cloud". [Robson * , p.195.] If culminating: Honor, preferment, good fortune, high office under Government, military success. If with Sun, Moon or Jupiter, great honor and ample fortune. [Robson * , p.196.] If with a malefic and the Moon with Antares (9 Sagittarius), Praesepe or the Pleiades (stars in Taurus ), blindness or injuries to the eyes.

[Robson * , p.196.] With Sun: Power, authority, great influence over friends, honor and riches, but violence, trouble and ultimate disgrace and ruin, sickness, fevers, benefits seldom last. [Robson * , p.196.] With Moon: Occult interests, powerful friends, danger from enemies and false friends, gain by speculation, public prominence, great power, honor, wealth, benefits seldom last, violence, trouble and sickness. Make women high spirited and independent. If at the same time the Sun is with the Dragon's Head in Gemini, or Jupiter is in the 10th house in trine to Mars and the Sun is with the Dragon's Head, great preferment even from the lowest sphere to high rank. [Robson * , p.196.] With Mercury: Honorable, just, popular, generosity abused by opponents, fame, gain through high position. [Robson * , p.196.] With Venus: Many disappointments, unexpected happenings, violent attachments, trouble through love affairs. [Robson * , p.196.] With Mars: Honor, fame, strong character public prominence, high military command.

[Robson * , p.197.] With Jupiter: Fame, high preferment, especially of a military nature, success in the Church. [Robson * , p.197.] With Saturn: Just, friends among clergy, success in Church or law, scholarly, wealth, gain through speculation, companies and friends, high position, proud of home and family, good health, heart trouble at end of life. If angular and especially if rising or culminating, public honor and credit. If Mars be with the Pleiades, violent death in a tumult. [Robson * , p.197.] With Uranus: Energetic, ambitious, successful, may be unjust or dishonorable, self-aggrandizement, high official position, panders to aristocracy, associated with religion for business purposes, gain through speculation and companies, favorable for marriage, sorrow through death of daughter and disappointment through a son; friends become enemies at end of life, may retire and live in seclusion, violent death through accident or assassination.

[Robson * , p.197.] With Neptune: Prominent leader, lawgiver, diplomatic, strong character, control over others, influential friends, few if any enemies, domestic harmony, natural death in old age. [Robson * , p.197.] References:

Question: In which constellation, visible from the UK, is the bright star Regulus to be found?
Answer: Leo